A water heater’s energy efficiency is measured by the correspondence between the electrical input and hot water productivity, installing your water heater on your own will affect its efficiency and will additionally cause you more on your expenses.

It is critical to have your water heating system installed by our water heater specialists to maximize its energy efficiency. A lot of people also try to take on DIY projects in order to save them the cost and probably pick up a new skill in the process.

Most often, they do this without understanding that they may possibly do things incorrectly and damage the whole system in the end. Your water heater is a delicate equipment that needs to be handled meticulously, otherwise you’ll end up with an ineffective water heating system.

This is the reason why you need to get the help of our licensed local plumbing specialists to install your heating device accordingly. Proper installation also guarantees that your water heater will run at maximum efficiency and give you sufficient amount of needed water.

In This Article, We Will Be Covering:

The signs of hot water tank problems

What to watch out for when it comes to your water heater

Water heater troubleshooting

When you should replace your water heater

Why your water heater isn’t working

How to choose an electric water heating system

Tank-type vs tankless water heaters

Common hot water problems in every household

Where you can get reliable hot water heater service

Who can fix your water heater

Who to call for repairs

What are the Signs of Hot Water Tank Problems?

Most people take their hot water heater for granted. It’s out of sight, out of mind, so as long as it’s working, we don’t really think about it.

And generally, it’s working. This appliance is most often dependable and rarely experiences trouble. But there are times when you may have a problem that means you need a hot water heater repair, so worry no more because we are here to help!

Some things to watch out for when it comes to your hot water heater

Popping noise, like sound of boiling water

Offensive smell, often like rotten eggs

Water Heater Troubleshooting: What Do I Check for in My Heating Unit?

Faucets and appliances are no longer producing hot water

Water is no longer sufficiently hot, even though you have not changed the temperature setting

If you experience these issues, the most likely cause is a faulty part or faulty installation. Call us for any repair, or maintenance services you may need.

We can also recommend hot water heater upgrades and offer top-quality products and expert installation.

Gas water heaters

Electric water heaters

Tankless water heaters

Parts and supplies

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

Are you unsure whether your water heater is in need of repair or has burned out altogether? If you notice a problem in your water heater, here are a few ways in which you can troubleshoot for a solution.

These tips will also help you to identify and understand signs that it’s time to replace your water heater.

Water heaters are available in two types, electric and gas water heaters. It is possible to use electric water heaters almost anywhere. However, gas water heaters are mostly installed in houses that already receive a gas supply.

Water heater, unlike the other household appliances, undergoes the maximum workout. Most water heaters available on the market have a lifespan of not more than 8 to 12 years.

This however, varies according to factors such as the severity of the prevailing temperature, quality of the installation, the unit design, and the overall water heater maintenanceyour unit has received.

If your water heater is already ten years old and has started leaking from the base of the tank or functions erratically, it is probably the time to get it replaced.

To ensure the longevity of your water heater you need to ensure that common electrical problems such as tripped breaker or a blown fuse is not the reason for the water heater’s failure.

Know the age of your water heater:

The age of your water heater can be the primary reason behind the faults occurring in your system. Hence, it is crucial to know the age of the machine.

To find the age of your water heater, by looking at the serial number printed on the manufacturer’s sticker, usually pasted on the upper surface of your water heater.

If water heater emits rusty water:

If you notice rusty water coming out of your water heater, especially from the hot side piping fitted in your home, you should understand that it is time to get it replaced.

However, if you have fitted a galvanized piping, the rusting may have occurred in the pipes. A few tested ways to avoid replacing a water heater that is functioning correctly is to drain at least five gallons of water from your water heater.

If your water heater makes a rumbling noise:

Sediments starts depositing on the bottom of the water tank, as your heater starts aging. The sediments get heated and reheated, and subsequently hardens. When this occurs, you often hear the rumbling noise. This is again a sign that your water heater as reached the end of its life.

If you notice moisture around your water heater: If you notice moisture forming around your water tank, or you notice a fracture or a small leak around the tank, it means that your water heater has reached its age, and it is finally the time to replace it

The instances mentioned above are the most common signs indicating the need to replace your water heater. Check yours for these signs today, so you can budget the replacement cost and be prepared to replace it rather than have it give out on you suddenly.

When is it Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Manufacturers generally suggest the common life expectancy of your water heater to be between 8-12 years, and it can vary depending on several factors. Some of the common factors include the location of your unit, its design, and quality of installation.

Installation greatly affects the service life of your water heater as it can generate several issues when handled inaccurately. Leaks, plumbing connection problems, and electrical issues can appear right after a defective installation.

They are skilled and highly experienced to set up your new water heater. To set up your water heater effectively, contact our local trained and insured plumbers in Boston. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Hot Water Heater Problems: Why is My Water Heater Not Working?

There are certain things you need to know about how to fix a water heater when you’re encountering some problems with it. What can you do when youâ€™re experiencing water heater problems at home?

Well, the most common water heater problems present are usually lack of heat in hot water, burner malfunction, and corrosion. For you to deal with these problems, you must first know how these can be prevented.

Corrosion problems

You can prevent this from happening by ensuring in the first place that when you hire your plumber, he or she knows the proper dielectric nipples or dielectric unions that your water heater is using.

If they are not aware about this then they might hook a copper to the water heater, which is made of steel, and could possibly create an electrolysis problem. Which means the connection to the water heater will get corroded.

Lack of temperature for water heater

There is this thing called a dip tube inside and it usually introduces the cold water found at the bottom of the tank. If this gets much corroded, it bowls off and will instead introduce cold water at the top of the tank.

Instead of the hot water dispensing, it gets fed off by the cold water and the burner functions are pretty much obsolete.

Newer high-efficiency water heaters

With this kind of water heater, the biggest problem you could probably face with this is the screen not properly cleaned up on a regular period of time.

Once you plug it up, some debris or lean might compose it. This will make the water heater shut itself down due to improper airflow that does not help at all in aiding the combustion.

If you are wondering how often you should check a water heater, the answer is that you should check on it once in a while and look for signs that may indicate a need for repair.

As for your temperature and pressure valve, you need to ensure that this is functioning properly. If this goes into malfunction and over pressure or overheat, the water heater will release this pressure instead to the water heater. Trust me, you don’t want a hot water that scalding hot as it can be very dangerous.

Determine if there is rust present, which could be an indication of a leak in that certain spot.

How Do I Choose an Electric Water Heating System

There are a few factors to consider when choosing which type of Electric Water Heating System would work best for you and your home.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to manufacturers and design, but not all electric water heaters are the same. In this article we weigh up the differences between the two types of electric water heaters available on the markets.

Types of Electric Water Heating Systems

We mentioned that there are two different types of electric water heaters available on the market, they are Tank-Type systems and Tankless. Let’s have a look at the difference between the two:

Tank Type or Storage Systems

These are the usual electric water heating systems found in homes across the country. Water is stored within the storage tank, where it is constantly heated. Hot water comes from the top of the tank when a faucet is switched on in the home, which is then replaced by cold water than runs through the bottom of the tank.

Tankless Systems

These are a newer form of Electric Water Heating. Electricity heats water when water flows the complex unit, so there is not tank needed to heat water.

While both systems offer a range of benefits for the homeowner, you need to consider which is right for your home. Some of the main factors to take into consideration include the price of the system you are investing in and installation of the unit.

Consider what the long-term cost of running a specific unit will be and how readily available the energy sources needed to run the unit are. There is also the Energy Factor rating that is used to measure how efficient the electric water heating system will be. Electric heat pump models should start at 2.0 and the higher the EF count, the more efficient the heater will be.

Long Term Cost Effectiveness

There is more to consider than just the initial cost of a unit when you replace an electric water heating system. Long term costs need to be calculated as well and since energy prices can vary, it is important to get a feel for the long term cost with a Cost Calculator.

There are a few websites that allow you to calculate your energy costs based on the amount of hot water you use. These are typically just a guide, but it will give you a great indication on what to expect from your energy bill after installing a new electric water heating system.

Pros and Cons of Tank-Type vs. Tankless Water Heaters

There are a few advantages and disadvantages to any type of Electric Hot Water Heating system that you choose.

Here we list a few of the most common pros and cons for Tank-Type and Tankless heating units:

Tank-Type Water Heaters

These units are inexpensive and are widely available in a variety of sizes suited to your water heating requirements. Installation costs range from $200 to $400 and onwards.

But these units reportedly waste 10% to 15% of energy through radiant heat loss because of the tank.

Tank-Type units run out of hot water when used for extended amounts of time, cutting your shower short with an ice cold blast of water!

The life expectancy for a tank-type unit is between 10 to 15 years

We mentioned EF ratings earlier and the typical EF Rating for an electric Tank-Type water heating system is only 0.67

Tankless Units

Tankless units take up little space and can be mounted inside a wall or on the outside of a home.

There is little to no standby energy loss with these units

They are energy efficient and use between 20% to 30% less energy than Tank-Type units.

The drawback is that they can be costly to install.

But the life expectancy of tankless units far surpass that of a tank-type unit by 20 years or more!

The average EF rating for a tankless unit starts at 0.75

The installation of a tankless system costs between $600 to $1000 and more.

What are the Common Hot Water System Repairs in Every Household?

There are many reasons why your water heater is not working properly. Here are a few problems you may experience:

Worn out heating element

Thermostat problems

Tripped circuit breaker

Power issues

Pressure Valve Failure/leaks

Water Heater Sediment

Foul Odor caused by bacteria in tank

Rusty Colored Water

Noisy heating elements

Takes too Long to Reheat

Where Can I Get Reliable Hot Water Heater Service?

When getting a new water heater, it has to be coordinated with several factors that will affect its productivity. A unit that is too small will not produce the right amount of water on demand, while a unit that is too large will consume more energy which will cost you more initially and at the same time on your monthly bills.

Also, as setting up a new water heater involves some complicated calculations regarding the flow rate and temperature that needs to supply your home, doing this yourself can mostly be just on presumptions.

Our team has the skills and knowledge to precisely calculate the load size based on the peak hour demands, and the number of people who will use the system at a given time. This way, your water heating system will generate the needed warm water as intended.

A system installed by our specialists will also ensure the longevity of your system. It can be a deciding factor whether you will get the most out of your water heater investment in the coming years. If you want your water heater to last for a long time, having it installed by our experts will guarantee its durability.

Plumbers 911 has experienced technicians and a wide range of heater options to make sure you have hot water when you need it.

Who Can Fix My Water Heater?

With our specialists, you can expect to receive top-notch service. We carefully screen each of our techs to ensure you are serviced by an experienced professional with a clear background and drug test.

In addition to basic services, Plumbers 911 provides a licensed professional to assess your existing space and install all parts in accordance with local building codes. Your hot water heater will be up and running in no time and you can rest assured that every safety precaution has been taken.

Who to Call for Water Heater Repair

Our highly efficient local plumbers possess the skills and know how on how to systematically install your water heater, eliminating disorganization that is often associated with an amateur setup.

It guarantees that your heating system will work flawlessly and provide you with the right temperature-controlled water.

Rather than hire a sketchy character and be wary the whole time they are in your home, why not hire a trusted and verified professional? All of our techs possess licenses, are fully insured, and have years of experience under their belt.

If you’re worried about the cost, let us put your mind at ease. We research the local market and know the rates offered by our competitors and offer you an even better rate. Our quotes are accurate, and you will never be charged for something you did not agree on beforehand.

First it is important to know what a powerflush is because a lot of people do not know what it is. It is a cleaning process that is carried out on a central heating system with the help of a Powerflush pump. The main task of Powerflush is to remove all debris, dirt, rust and sludge from the water running within the heating system pipes.

The point is that: “do I really need a Powerflush in my home?” The answer is: Yes, it is very necessary to make the system efficient after prolonged use. If you don’t powerflush, your boiler could be damaged by the dirty waters. Powerflush is not only about clearing the debris that has already built up in the system, but there are also certain chemicals used in power flushing which slows down further breakdowns in the future within the radiators and pipes.

When Do I actually need a powerflush?

The answer depends on the level of dirt and rust that has built-up in your system for days. Incase you have a system that is few years in age and you never got a powerflush done anytime; you would definitely need one soon. The best way to decide is to take a sample of water from the system and test it from a heating engineer. If you experience the below mentioned symptoms you need powerflush:

Unclean bleed water or cold radiators?

Boiler cut outs and noises?

Fluctuations in temperature or lukewarm water?

Blocked pipes and a cold home?

Very slow heating

What could happen if you don’t powerflush?

There could be severe damage that would be extremely expensive to repair. Take a look at mainly what happens if you don’t:

The system would lose its performance and you would have to pay high fuel and repair bills

The heat exchangers and radiators would be filled with pin holes and that would need repair or replacement. A black oil come out known as the oxide sludge and it can damage anything like floors, carpets etc.

There could be mechanical failures like in the pumps, hydraulic systems, valves and heat exchangers.

Advantages of power flush

The system is more energy efficient

The reliability is enhanced

Radiators are hotter

Less chances of breakdown

The lifespan of your system is increased

Least noises

The heating of radiators will be quicker

More hot water supply

Is powerflush a DIY initiative?

It is not recommended to do the power flush yourself because it’s a risky and complex process; there are a lot of equipment and chemicals used. It is best to get in touch with our Gas Safe registered technicians in your Kansas City.

Do you take care of your boiler?

If you perform an annual servicing of the boiler then a power flushing after every 5-6 years is sufficient. A power flush prior to installing a new boiler is highly recommended.

One question rings the mind that why is power flush necessary for a new boiler? It is very essential to maintain the warranty because if a new boiler is installed on an unclean water system, there are chances of the heating system getting damaged.

How much does Power flush cost?

Now if you are keen about knowing how much a power flush would cost, it depends on the size of your heating system and how complex the task would be. The service is a bit on the expensive side but its worth as it could save a huge amount of future expenses. Power flushing takes just a day to be done and for smaller systems it takes only a few hours. Contact our plumbing contractors in your Kansas City that offers power flush service at a competitive pricing.

CONCLUSION

Power flushing improves the efficiency because water flows without any hindrance through the pipes when the system water is cleaned. If you imagine the boiler to be a human hear and the pipes as the arteries, you could understand the functionality.

The water heater is a very essential appliance of your household but do you know that it accounts for 15% of the energy bill expenses?

It’s practical that you cannot do without a heater but you can definitely use it rationally to conserve energy and save from your pocket.

Here are a few quick tips to save on your water heating energy bill:

Turning down the temperature

Go to the warm setting and just turn down the temperature and this will prevent your skin from getting burnt anytime apart from saving energy.

You would need the heater daily throughout the cold season so you can imagine how much energy would be consumed in these months. The usual setting is 140 degrees F but you can lower it to 120 degrees F to save a 6% to 10% from the energy bill. Just refer to the manual while adjusting the thermostat.

Use the water heater less

Could you use the water heater less? Showers are mainly responsible for your soaring water heating costs. You can use showerheads with low-flow, complete your shower quickly, turn off the water supply while you are using soap and always use lukewarm water.

You can endure a bit and try using cold water in washing clothes because a lot of water goes in washing clothes.

Water heater inspection

Do you get your heater inspected every year before the winters? It is actually a good idea to do so and prevent from applying huge energy bills. Just before the onset of the spring and in the summer months get an inspection to ensure the heater is working optimally.

Gallons of water is wasted every year due to boiler leaks so don’t wait to mend boiler leaks but get early and quick solution.

Call a professional plumber in Chicago to detect leaks and get repaired. While water is being wasted, your bills are rising!

You can switch to solar or tankless systems

If you have decided to replace your old water heating system, you can invest a little more and purchase the solar or tankless systems. If you do so, your energy costs would be slashed down by half of what you pay. Isn’t it a great option for the households? You can give it a thought.

Add insulation

It is practically inexpensive to add insulation but doing so can cut down standby loss of heat by 25% to 50% and this would directly cut down heating costs by 5% to 10%.

Reuse the water

So much of hot water flows down the drain but did you hear about ‘drain water heat recovery systems’? It’s basically a technology to arrest the energy that flows down the drain to pre-heat the cold water that is making its way into the heater.

These systems are priced within $300-$500 and you can call your plumber in Chicago area to install. You invest once and reap the benefits of it through low water heating bills.

Buy an efficient model

If your water heating system is old, invest in a new one because old systems tend to consume more electricity. Buy energy star models where you can save 15% of the total cost of energy bills.

You can also invest in a system with heat traps fore more energy efficiency.

Simply set a timer

A lot of energy is invested in retaining the heat inside the water all 24 hours. Since you don’t need to use water all 24 hours, then why not set a timer to turn off during the sleep time hours or before you leave home for work?

This can help to conserve about 5% to 12% energy. Buy a timer for about $60 and enjoy the hassle free benefits.

Now that you know so many tips to save water heating costs, try these out. If you encounter any problems, call us immediately! We’re licensed and we can refer you to certified local plumbers in Chicago, IL.

Homeowners nowadays would want to have all the amenities that could make living easier and more comfortable. Who wouldn’t, right? A hot water heater is one of these amenities as it plays a significant task in making bathing comfortable for all the members of the family. As such, when it conks out, it becomes bothersome for the whole household. It is best to be vigilant in looking for hot water heater problems in Pembroke Pines to prevent further damage and repair expenses.

Watch Out For These Hot Water Heater Problems

Most hot water heater problems can be repaired on your own. Check this list first before heading out to the store to buy a new hot water heating unit. Then again, if you’re not confident with your plumbing skills, you can always contact a licensed Pembroke Pines plumber for help.

Water is too hot

Begin by checking the thermostat. Make sure that it is set correctly. You can adjust it to lower the temperature. If adjusting the temperature does not do the trick, the problem might be with the thermostat itself. This will need to be replaced by a plumbing professional.

Water pressure is low

Examine the shower head if it is clear of sediments or hard water deposits. If it does, get a fine needle that you can insert in the holes. See if this works. Otherwise, locate the reset button and push it. If this still doesn’t resolve the problem, call a hot water heater repair plumber. The problem might be in the thermostat or in another part of the unit.

Leaking water tank

Tighten the bolts on the gaskets surrounding the unit. After that, check the pressure valve. If it still continues to leak, it would be better to buy a new water heating unit especially if this current unit is old. The maximum life span of a hot water heater is 10 to 15 years only. An old heater is most likely to leak because of rusting or wear and tear.

Noisy hot water heater

Drain your hot water heater’s tank first. Then, examine the insides of the tank if there are rusted areas. If there are signs of rusting in some parts, make sure that they are replaced. Water heater units with dirty water coming out of the shower can also be fixed with simple flushing out of water. Remember also to refrain from leaving the hot water heater on for a long time to prevent it from overheating.

Let Plumbers 911 Take Care of Hot Water Heater Problems in Pembroke Pines

The key to having a trouble-free hot water heater unit is routine maintenance. It is still better to be pro-active and to prevent problems by contacting a licensed Pembroke Pines plumber to perform regular check-ups on your hot water heater. Call Plumbers 911 at (954) 866-7699 to set an appointment today.

More and more homeowners prefer tankless water heaters because of the fact that you will never run out of hot water. In addition, a tankless water heater saves more energy which makes it more cost-efficient. Lastly, it’s a space saver since you will not need to have a big tank to keep the hot water in. You’re probably already 100% convinced that you’ll change your current water heater into a tankless unit. But before you do that, here are some reminders in hiring a Kansas City tankless water heater installer.

Things to Consider Before You Buy a Tankless Water Heater

You will have plenty of options with so many contractors advertising online. Then again, you have to make sure that you have someone who is an expert and has all the needed certifications. Licensed Kansas City plumbers are the most capable to install tankless water heaters.

You should never settle for someone inexperienced because of the high risk of electrocution or fires caused by faulty installation. Also, the manufacturer’s warranty will be void if the installation is done incorrectly. Lastly, an incorrectly installed tankless water heater will not be able to decrease your energy consumption which totally defeats its purpose.

Another thing to consider in hiring a tankless water heater installer in Kansas City is water testing. It’s a plus if your potential plumbing contractor offers testing of the hardness of the water. Water heaters do not last long if the water in your home is hard. The hard minerals of your water will eventually build-up and make it less efficient. A professional Kansas City plumber would know that and would suggest a water softener system for your home.

Your chosen Kansas City tankless water heater installer should also have insurance. An insurance gives you the peace of mind that you will not be spending a single dime on repeat jobs to fix problems after the installation. Professional plumbers have insurance and this is what you should look for.

Discount coupons or loyalty rewards are also a plus. Imagine the amount of money you can save on other plumbing projects with these rebates.

Finally, choose a tankless water heater installer that is consistent in terms of scheduling appointments. He should be sure that he will be present on the scheduled installation date. He should also respect your time and availability.

Plumbers 911 is a nationwide plumbing referral company that connects its clients with the best local plumbers. Just call (816) 656-2524 and a licensed Kansas City plumber will be at your doorstep right away. You can also ask for a free quote from our friendly call operators.

Posted on: September 6, 2017

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Plumbers 911 is a referral service for local plumbing contractors and technicians. We are not a big nation-wide chain of poorly trained “guys with wrenches.” Instead, we have created a network of local plumbing professionals who own their own companies in your community, and know your unique plumbing needs.